In 2022, a study published in Molecular Psychiatry found that a one-hour walk in nature significantly decreased activity in the amygdala, the brain’s stress-processing center, compared to a walk in an urban environment. This suggests that immersing ourselves in natural settings can have a profound calming effect on our minds.
For centuries, yoga has offered a path to inner peace, presence, and self-awareness. Nature, too, has long been a teacher, giving us grounding energy and stillness while reminding us that we are part of something bigger. When these two elements come together, something transformative happens. The breath deepens, the mind quiets, and the connection to self and Earth becomes beautifully clear.
More than just a trend, this timeless synergy between yoga and nature is a return to roots. And today, it’s gaining incredible momentum in wellness circles around the globe. At places like Bodhi Tree Yoga Resort, where the rainforest meets the ocean, this healing connection becomes an everyday experience.
Why Does Nature Enhance the Benefits of Yoga?
When we practice yoga in nature, we’re syncing our nervous systems with the natural world. As Melany Martínez, Bodhi Tree’s Wellness Experience Manager and co-instructor of our Signature Retreats tells us: “Learning and observing how nature behaves in its cycles is something I always love to share. Everything is a process. For example, the seasons. By syncing with nature, we realize our physical bodies, our whole bodies, go through seasons as well. Everything is always changing, and nature is our biggest teacher in how important it is to find balance.”
Research in ecopsychology and the biophilia theory suggests that humans are biologically wired to thrive in connection with nature, and that this bond can restore emotional balance and mental clarity. “In yoga practice, more than working on our flexibility and working on our strength, we work on how to quiet the mind, how to be present,” Melany says, “and nature is one of the best examples of this.” The sounds of birdsong, the scent of fresh air, the warmth of sunlight, all these elements help calm the parasympathetic nervous system, which governs our rest and relaxation response. So, practicing yoga surrounded by nature doesn’t just amplify its physical benefits, it deepens the mental and emotional ones, too.
What Happens to the Mind and Body When We Practice Yoga Outdoors?
Studies have shown that outdoor movement, especially when combined with mindful practices like yoga, can boost immune function and elevate mood by increasing serotonin levels and reducing inflammation. But it’s not just about biology, something deeper happens, too. Practicing surrounded by nature naturally draws you into the present moment, where distractions fade and stillness can take hold.
Here’s Melany again: “One of the main goals when we practice yoga is to quiet the mind, to come back to the present. When you have all these natural elements surrounding you, like the sounds of the jungle or the ocean, it helps. Nature invites you to come back to the present and supports your practice in this way. It invites you to slow down, to come back to this moment.”
How Does Nature Support Emotional Healing Through Movement?
Practicing yoga in a natural setting can become a moving meditation amplified by sensory experience—the scent of the rainforest, the sound of ocean waves. These natural cues gently pull you into awareness, helping you stay grounded in the moment. In this open space, emotions that may have been tucked away often feel safer to rise to the surface.
“In yoga practice, your body is a reflection of your mind while your mind is a reflection of your body,” Melany says. “So, when you work your body through movement, this also has an impact on your mind. Both are connected. You can access your mind through your body and open a door to explore it from a place of presence. This can help you find clarity of thought.”
In nature, nothing is static: seasons shift, tides ebb and flow, the sun rises and sets. Yoga mirrors this same rhythm through its breath-to-movement flow, its balance of effort and ease, and the natural arc of a practice. As Melany asserts, “Nature is the biggest reminder of the impermanence of things. So, when you’re going through moments of personal challenges, nature reminds us that things are always changing. Things won’t stay this way forever.” The cycles we witness in the natural world reflect the ones we experience within, inviting us to trust the process, stay present, and embrace change with an open heart.
Where Can You Experience This Connection in a Meaningful Way?
You can practice outdoor yoga in many beautiful settings: forest clearings, oceanfront decks, lush gardens, each one offering its own kind of magic. But when looking for a yoga retreat that truly honors nature, it’s worth paying attention to more than just the scenery. Look for places that weave the natural world into the experience mindfully. Think beautiful shalas, organic meals, sustainable practices, and classes that align with the rhythms of the day. Retreats such as those offered by Bodhi Tree Yoga Resort do this beautifully, blending expert-led sessions with eco-conscious living and a real sense of community. Certified teachers, thoughtful design, and genuine connection all add up to something that feels both grounded and transformative.
Why Is Bodhi Tree a Place to Reconnect with Nature Through Yoga?
At Bodhi Tree Yoga Resort, nature isn’t just the backdrop, it’s part of the practice. Yoga classes unfold in open-air shalas surrounded by rainforest and ocean breeze. The resort’s design invites nature in. It’s a place that encourages presence, reflection, and deep connection not only with yourself, but with the living world around you.
As John Robert, one of our guests, put it: “The yoga classes were transformative, guided by knowledgeable instructors who created a perfect balance of challenge and relaxation […] Whether you’re seeking a deep yoga practice, relaxation, or connection with like-minded individuals, this resort is the perfect escape.”
Ready to reconnect with yourself and nature? You can explore our upcoming retreats or our Bodhi Tree Signature Retreat options for a fully immersive experience. You can also stop by for a drop-in class if you’re staying with us or visiting Nosara. We’d love for you to join us on the mat.
